Part of Hennepin Ave. Reopens after Water Main Break

The drive out of downtown Minneapolis got a bit of a break as part of Hennepin Avenue reopened in time for the Friday evening commute.

The northbound lanes of Hennepin reopened, along with West River Parkway.

Now, all streets are open except for:

Two blocks of southbound Hennepin Avenue, from 1st Street to Washington Avenue

One block of 2nd Street North, from Hennepin Avenue to 1st Avenue North

One block of westbound 1st Street South from Hennepin Avenue to Marquette Avenue (eastbound lanes are open)

Hennepin Avenue was closed following a large water main break Thursday afternoon. Two blocks of the street were shut down for about 24 hours as crews worked to fix the pipe and clean up.

Crews are working around the clock to repair the 36-inch water line that was hit by a private contractor at a building site at Hennepin Avenue and 2nd Street North Thursday afternoon.

About 14 million gallons of water flowed out of the system following the break, officials say.

Six buildings on 2nd Avenue North, between 3rd Street North and Hennepin Avenue, are still without water service Friday evening. The city expects to have normal service restored to those buildings by Sunday.

The city says water service has been restored for all bars and restaurants that were affected.